Leadership for INClusion in Early Years (LINC) Programme
Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme
Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Early Childhood Ireland, Maynooth University – The Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education (MU–Froebel Department) and the National Childhood Network comprise the four partners of the consortium awarded the contract from the Higher Education Authority for the delivery of the Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme. The Programme comprises a Level 6 Special Purpose Award (Higher Education) and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme.
LINC Level 6 Programme overview
The Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award designed to support the inclusion of all children in Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Care (SAC) settings.
The programme is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE). Graduates of the LINC Programme are qualified to take on the role of Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) within their setting and are eligible for Lead Educator/Room Leader status under the DCDE Qualification Guidelines. The development of this programme forms part of the Government’s response to local, national, and international calls for high-quality education and training that support graduate pathways in early childhood care and education. It also addresses the growing need for continuing professional development (CPD) in the area of inclusion for all children.
Flexible learning
The programme is delivered through a blended model designed to meet the diverse learning needs of our students. Each module includes three recorded lessons per week, accessible at any time; a weekly online tutorial; and one in-person Saturday class per module, held at various locations throughout Ireland.
Students also receive a mentoring visit from a LINC Tutor in their ELC and SAC setting. The purpose of this visit is to support students in applying the concepts and theories from the LINC Programme to their daily practice, with a focus on developing inclusive culture, practice, and pedagogy. Students should have access to a reliable internet connection and a desktop or laptop computer to successfully complete the programme.
LINC+ CPD Programme
Launched in March 2021, the LINC+ CPD Programme enables graduates of the LINC Programme to continue their professional learning through additional training, networking, and the development of communities of practice. The programme is fully funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) and is delivered entirely online.
The LINC+ CPD Programme aims to:
- equip Inclusion Coordinators (INCOs) with the knowledge, practices, and values needed to lead inclusion in Early Years and School Age Care settings and support the implementation of the Better Start Access and Inclusion Model (AIM);
- provide strategies and supports that enable participants to ensure all children can access and fully participate in Early Years settings;
- support the development of family, professional, and community partnerships that foster inclusive practice;
- and encourage the creation of Communities of Practice that bring early years professionals together to share and strengthen inclusive approaches
Delivery and Cost of the LINC+CPD Programme
The LINC+ CPD Programme is delivered via Moodle, which will be familiar to all LINC graduates. Participants can complete the online learning packages at a time that suits them, ensuring flexibility for those balancing professional and personal commitments. On completion of each package, participants can download a certificate of completion.
Similar to the Level 6 Programme, LINC+ CPD is fully funded by the Department, with no cost to participants.
Further Information
For more information, please visit the LINC Programme website: www.lincprogramme.ie.
